System for guiding a flying object towards a target

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for guiding of a projectile towards a target and a projectile for carrying out the system. The projectile has means for guiding the projectile towards a desired target, e.g. by means of control signal from a target seeker. In a given point of the projectile trajectory blades or wings are swung-out from the projectile body, which blades in swung-out position are shaped as a propeller so that they are driven by the stream of air passing the projectile. In order to guide the projectile towards the target in the final phase of the trajectory the said blades are then adjusted in dependence upon the control signal from the target seeker. In one embodiment, in which the blades are rotatably journalled on the projectile body, the rotational axis of the blades is set in a given angle relative to the length axis of the projectile. This oblique setting between the rotational axis and length axis then will produce a desired force in lateral direction on the projectile. In other embodiments the blade angle, i.e. the angle between the length axis of each individual blade and the rotational axis, or the angle of incidence, i.e. the angular setting of each individual blade around its own length axis, is varied periodically in rhythm with the rotation of the blades in space.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A projectile guiding system for changing the trajectory of a projectile comprising: a guidance blade pivotally supported to a hub, said guidance blade extending laterally to the axis of said hub;   means connecting said hub to the rearward end of the projectile, permitting said blade and hub to rotate, and for varying the angular position of the rotational axis of said hub about two orthogonal axes;   first and second actuating means coupled to said means connecting said hub for varying the position of said rotational axis of said hub and connected blade about said two orthogonal axes, whereby a lateral force is exerted on said projectile;   a seeker for determining a heading error for said projectile; and,   a drive stage connected between said seeker and said first and second actuating means for varying said rotational axis in response to said heading error, whereby said rotational axes is varied to impart a correction force to said projectile.   
     
     
       2. The projectile guiding system of claim 1 further comprising a stabilizing fin supported on said projectile. 
     
     
       3. The projectile guiding system of claim 1 wherein said means connecting said hub and blade to said projectile comprises a link transmission system. 
     
     
       4. The projectile guiding system of claim 1 wherein said first and second actuating means comprises first and second motors connected to said link transmission means.